More affordable than the Maldives and less busy than the Seychelles, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite resorts for the perfect Mozambique holiday.
While Mozambique is a bit more remote, it’s the opposite of mass tourism. It’s a destination that’s all about white sandy beaches, few tourists, exceptional service, fresh seafood and amazing cuisine.
1. Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Location: Quirimbas Archipelago (off Mozambique’s northern coast)
Anantara Medjumbe Island’s slogan is “an island to call your own” and it’s exactly what you’ll find. The resort sits on one of the 32 islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago. Surrounded by a marine park, everything on Medjumbe Island blends into nature. With only 12 villas, this beach resort offers a high level of exclusivity and personal service.
Activities are plentiful at Mejumbe Island Resort: you can sleepover on the 4-kilometre distant Kasenga Island. Diving is also excellent in the Quirimbas Archipelago where divers can enjoy incredible sea life. Just a note: No kids U16 are allowed.
Why we love it: Serves excellent Mozambique cuisine
2. White Pearl Resorts Ponta Mamoli
Location: Southern Mozambique, mainland
One of our favourite lodges, White Pearl is not the “classic” island experience as it’s situated on Mozambique’s sparkling coastline. But it’s a winner for Southern Mozambique for the location’s raw beauty, excellent service and luxe décor.
It’s attractive for travellers who love activities on their holiday; here you can go on ocean safaris, enjoy dhow sailing, diving and horse riding. Depending on the length of stay, you can spot dolphins, humpback whales and turtles (who return to lay their eggs each year). Relaxation areas are modern and comfortable with fireplaces and loungers. You can go for dinner at the bespoke White Pearl Restaurant or enjoy a signature cocktail at the Ibiza-style Beach Bar.
Why we love it: Perfect combo with a Kruger National Park or KwaZulu-Natal safari
3. andBeyond Vamizi Island
Location: Quirimbas Archipelago, off the coast of northern Mozambique
Powder-soft beaches that rival the Maldives… that’s andBeyond Vamizi in the Quirimbas Archipelago. The newly refurbished resort with a Balinese influence has a private atmosphere with only six villas, decorated in a contemporary ‘beach chic’. A great spot for families, you can explore the private island at your own pace.
Why we love it: Manicured gardens that stretch towards the ocean…
4. andBeyond Benguerra Island
Location: Bazaruto Archipelago
Situated on the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique, andBeyond Benguerra Island is an idyllic island getaway. The luxury lodge overlooks a lagoon, unaffected by the tides, where guests can go swimming or take boat rides. Surrounded by shimmering beach sand, Benguerra Island takes romance to heart and creates intimate moments for its guests.
Why we love it: Little touches like private beach dinners and lanterns at nighttime
5. Travessia Beach Lodge
Location: Southern Mozambique, mainland
This eco-lodge is all about understated, barefoot luxury. It’s truly off-the-beaten-track! Drive just 1.5 hours from the Inhambane Airport and you will hit a 6-km sand track, which will take you to Travessia. The 4-star lodge is small with only 5 casitas (rooms).
Why we love it: It’s eco-friendly with 180° sea views
6. Santorini Mozambique
Location: Vilanculos, Mozambique mainland
Sitting above Kingfisher Bay in Vilanculos, Santorini offers wide views of the archipelago islands and the mainland in the distance. Santorini Mozambique is like a small Greek village with olive trees and bougainvillaea.
Guests can choose from The Chapel, Villa Da Praia and the main villa’s suites. The Chapel and Villa Da Praia are a short walk from the main villa; both are private exclusive-use villas that are perfect for honeymooners and small groups of friends. The main villa is divided into 5 spacious suites with a private patio as well as plenty of living areas, large pool and daybeds. Enjoy alfresco seating area with a pizza oven and barbeque in the pool courtyard.
Why we love it: Only 12 km north of Vilanculos on the mainland
7. Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa
Location: Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of six islands; on the biggest lies Anantara’s luxurious seaside resort. The entire resort is 1 kilometre long. Its spa is the biggest in Mozambique. Guests can enjoy dune picnics at sunset or private Jacuzzi dinners. The soft refurbishing started in 2018 and has just been completed.
Why we love it: Great for kids and families
8. Azura Benguerra Island
Location: Benguerra Island
This 20-villa resort is Mozambique’s first eco-friendly resort. Known for its great location in the Marine National Park, sunny days and starry night skies, the resort was hand-built in partnership with the local community and runs conservation projects benefitting the locals and preserving the pristine environment.
The salty scent of seaside air invites you to snorkel or dive the unexplored reefs that are home to turtles and big game fish. Outdoor and nature enthusiasts can enjoy Azura’s signature activities such as sailing on the traditional dhow or going island hopping.
Why we love it: Azura Benguerra Island sits right on the beach and is open to the sea
9. Azura Quilalea
This award-winning property is located on one of Mozambique’s most remote islands. With just 9 sea view villas, it’s the perfect hideaway. When you are in the mood to explore the island there are numerous activities such as remarkable snorkelling and diving, guided nature walks, star gazing or astronomy talks.
Why we love it: The island is covered in indigenous vegetation and largely uninhabited
Contact us for queries or to create your tailor-made Mozambique holiday.